Reviewing Converter Box Features

All converter boxes provide a clearer, sharper picture compared to
traditional analog signals on televisions. But some converter box
features – such as closed captioning fonts, limited or expanded program
descriptions, and remote control buttons – will vary among the
different brands of converter boxes.

Remote Control: All converter boxes come with a remote
control. Some but not all brands of converter box remotes are
able to control both the volume and the on/off features of the
television. This is typically labeled as a “universal remote”
feature. If the converter box’s new remote cannot turn the
television on and off, the television’s remote will also have to be
used. It is important to note, however, that all channel-changes
must be accomplished by changing the channels on the converter box –
using the converter box’s new remote control – and not on the
television or VCR. If a round RF coaxial cable is being used to
connect the converter box to the television, the television must
beset to Channel 3 and remain set on Channel 3. If
other types of audio-visual cables are being used such as composite or
component cables, set the television at Video 1 or 2, as appropriate.

On-Screen Channel and Program Information: All converter
boxes display channel and program information. Typically, the
converter box remote control’s button for “display” or “info” can be
used to display the channel number, the name of the program, the
current time, the start and end time of the program, and whether closed
captioning is available or is turned on. Depending on the program
and the converter box brand, a summary of the specific TV program may
also be displayed.

Closed Captioning: Federal law does not require converter
boxes to pass through closed-captioning, but almost all converter boxes
sold in Fairfax County are capable of passing through analog and
digital closed captioning. Some converter box remote controls
permit closed captions to be turned on and off via a single button
(“CC”) on the remote control. On newer televisions with closed
captioning features, viewers should select the closed captioning
feature on either the television or converter box, but not both, to
prevent two sets of captions from appearing.

Aspect Ratio: Converter boxes can also present
programming in different aspect ratios. Analog signals use a 4:3
aspect ratio and many programs may have been recorded in this
format. However, digital signals may be broadcast using either
the 4:3 aspect ratio or a more elongated 16:9 ratio. The
converter box’s remote control can be used to locate and change the
“aspect ratio feature.” The picture can be stretched or cropped
either automatically or manually so that the entire television screen
is filled with a picture. Alternatively, a wide screen picture
can be displayed by leaving blank spaces or black “bars” on the top and
bottom of the screen. Some converter boxes will automatically
adjust the aspect ratio to fill the screen.

More information about the digital television transition is
available on the following topics: